Mystery and Crime Fiction posted September 2, 2024 Chapters:  ...5 6 -7- 8... 


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A plan is set.

A chapter in the book Murder At The Berkshire

A Plan

by Douglas Goff


Previously:

With Hattie being alone and her children living out of state, the older daughter placed her in a home for the elderly. Unfortunately, she finds herself even more lonely surrounded by people. When Hattie learns of the mysterious death of Mr. Howell up on the fourth floor, she decides to look into it. The ladies create the Senior Sleuth Society.

New:
The ladies pulled up chairs around Hattie's bed, only this time, she had three visitors. Nelly, Nancy, and Joy all stared at her intently, barely able to hide their excitement at how things were going. Their investigation seemed to be moving along nicely.

The vase picture was already down, and their suspect list had grown. Noted were:

Assistant Janice Cooley
Nurse Debra
Assistant Harvey Marsh
Assistant Becky Hazel
Assistant Carmen Marsala
Pharmaceutical Phil
Assistant Carmen Marsala
Maintenance Man ?

"Have you heard from that dreamy detective, Hattie?" Joy clasped her hands together.

"Steele? Unfortunately, he's still waiting on the coroner's toxicology report. I'm hoping we get that soon, so we have more to go on." Hattie nodded. "You all know how slowly the government types move. That may be key to this case, but for now, we have to wait for it."

Her three companions all agreed.

"Until then, we have other avenues of investigation to attend to. Nancy, what did you discover when you visited your sister last night?"

The skinny woman toyed with her bangs one more time, before putting her mirror down. "Room 413 is still unoccupied."

"Are you certain?" Hattie smiled.

"Yep, I took a peek inside. Empty as Jerk Beefy's promises." Nancy's comments caused the other ladies to snicker.

"Then it is decided." Hattie clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling with excitement. "A raid to room 413 is scheduled for 1:00 am tomorrow."

"Decided?" Joy looked unnerved. "Who decided? I just don't think it is worth the risk. We should discuss this and not just go off half-cocked and willy-nilly."

"I'm in!" Nelly ignored Joy's protests.

"It is decided, because I'm going." Hattie was firm. "I will take Nelly with me while you two stay behind."

"Nope. I'm going along too." Nancy gave Hattie a thumbs up. "What are they gonna do, spank us?"

"Oh, I certainly hope so!" Nelly giggled, then the three women stared at Joy.

"Are you girls sure about this?" All three nodded that they were.

Joy wrung her hands. "Really, really sure? Because if we get caught, we could get into some real trouble."

Again, they all nodded their heads excitedly.

"All right then, I'm in as well." Joy sighed. "But if we get caught, we aren't going to get away with feigning confusion this time."

"We can all pretend we're sleepwalking," Nancy suggested.

"That may work for Nel, but not the rest of us. We'll look like the walking dead if we all start stumbling about with our eyes closed and our arms in the air." Joy's comment brought about even more giggles.

"So that settles it then. We just won't get caught." Hattie said with much more certainty than she actually felt.

CHARACTERS:

Key Residents

Hattie May Hatfield-New resident who used to be an author

Katherinne Beck-Chatty Kathy, a resident who talks constantly

Jubilee Joy-Bubbly lady

Narcoleptic Nelly-Plump, purple-fashioned lady, who falls asleep

Art Antica-A cold, but cute resident

Jerk Beefy-An amorous sleazy resident 

Moaning Lisa-Jerk Beefy's girlfriend 

Narcissistic Nancy-Pretty lady who loves the mirror  

Lesser Residents

Grumpy Gus-A cranky, very old residents

Barfett-a slovenly resident who eats sloppy

Windy Wendy-A resident who constantly passes gas

Pharmacuetical Phil Barnes-Supplies pills to the male residents

Employees

Harold Chapman-Pencil pushing Berkshire Director

SUSPECT Debra-The Berkshire Nurse

SUSPECT Mrs. Janice Cooley-Attendant

SUSPECT Harvey Marsh- Attendant 

SUSPECT Becky Hazel- Attendent

SUSPECT Jimmy Williams-Attendant

SUSPECT Carmen Marsala-Attendant

Deceased

Edward Howell-Sent to the 4th floor, then suspiciously died 

Paul Hatfield-Hattie's deceased police detective husband

Extras

Sarah Hatfield-Hattie's oldest daughter

Detective Steele-Hattie's deceased husband's old partner

Marcy-Narcisistic Nancy's sister


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© Copyright 2024. Douglas Goff All rights reserved.
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